Today the Seattle Seahawks, along with Virginia Mason, the Seahawks Official Health Care Partner, CHI Franciscan Health and the American Cancer Society (ACS), kick off a month of cancer awareness activities to promote early detection through the Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer campaign. Representatives from the organizations participated in a ceremonial flag raising at CenturyLink Field today to kick off the campaign. The Seahawks will host the team’s annual Crucial Catch game on Oct. 7 versus the Los Angeles Rams.

“Virginia Mason is proud to team up with the Seahawks and CHI Franciscan Health to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings and to ultimately claim a victory for wellness,” said Gary S. Kaplan, MD, Virginia Mason Chairman and CEO. “If cancer hasn’t affected us directly, we all have family and friends whose lives have been affected by it. The good news is that it can often be treated successfully if the condition is detected early.”

“Early detection saves lives. Advanced screening tests can detect cancers in the earliest stages, increasing treatment options for patients,” said Ketul J. Patel, CEO of CHI Franciscan Health. “Together with the Seahawks, Virginia Mason, and the American Cancer Society, we are proud to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and getting screened to intercept cancer.”

As encouragement for fans to schedule regular health care screenings, the CenturyLink Field arch lights will feature an array of colors Oct. 1 to Oct. 3 representing multiple cancers that can be detected early, including:

Navy: Colon Cancer

Pink: Breast Cancer

Lavender: All Cancers

Teal: Cervical Cancer

Blue: Prostate Cancer

Gold: Childhood Cancers

White: Lung Cancer

“Screening can help doctors find and treat several types of cancer early, before they cause symptoms,” said Larry Andrus, executive director for the American Cancer Society. “Early detection is important because when abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. A Crucial Catch has a very important message – get screened.”

To celebrate the Crucial Catch game, ACS will host a special Blue Friday rally at noon on Friday, Oct. 5, at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle located at 401 Pine St. Fans are invited to participate in a traditional “pep” rally featuring Sea Gals, Blue Thunder and Blitz.

Throughout the month of October, all four Puget Sound area Pro Shop locations will donate 12 percent of proceeds from in-store purchases of Crucial Catch merchandise to CRUCIAL CASH. In partnership with Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan, CRUCIAL CASH funds will help local patients who cannot cover the incidental costs of cancer treatment. Fans will also be able to make a donation at checkout.

The Seahawks will also utilize the Seahawks Auction platform to benefit CRUCIAL CASH by auctioning off game-used items worn by players and coaches during the month of October. Visit Auctions.Seahawks.com/ and click the “Charity” tab to view the items.

Part of this year’s Crucial Catch campaign is to celebrate survivors and the family and friends that have helped them along the way. Fans can download and personalize their own I CELEBRATE placards at Seahawks.com/CrucialCatch or pick one up at any of the four Seahawks Pro Shop locations.

On game day, fans are invited to visit Touchdown City or any GuestLink location to secure an I CELEBRATE placard. Fans displaying their I CELEBRATE cards during the game may be featured on HawkVision.

During halftime of the game, the team will honor survivors and their families with an on-field ceremony. CenturyLink Field concessions will also offer fans the opportunity to make a $1 donation during checkout, with proceeds going to CRUCIAL CASH.

Fans are encouraged to download “The Defender,” a digital tool funded by the NFL and developed by the American Cancer Society. The tool analyzes user-input health information to provide individuals with quick, informative recommendations on how they can take action to reduce cancer risk. Fans can find The Defender at www.thedefender.cancer.org.